Samui's fame as the beach and coconut island is widespread, but few
visitors realize that it also has a wealth of Buddhist culture. From
ancient Buddha images to modern colorful temples, there is a vast
selection of interesting sites to visit and sights to see. Here are our
suggestions. Please remember to dress politely (no beachwear or revealing
clothing) and to behave with respect in temple grounds.

Wat Phra Yai and Big Buddha

This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most famous landmark the Big Buddha.
Most Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this
remarkable statue at some point during their holiday. Visible from several
kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the
island , the 12 meter tall golden image stands proud.

At the base of the structure, several shops
and restaurants cater to the needs of devotees and tourists alike. Wat
Phra Yai is in the Northeast of Samui on route 4171 near the airport.>More pictures

Kunaram Temple - Mummified Monk

The body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Pordaeng, is on display
here in a specially constructed building. When he died more than 20 years
ago, he was sitting in a meditation position. He is still in that same
position and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Wat Khunaram is on
the 4169 ring-road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.
>More pictures

Coral Buddha

Formerly one of Samui's main attractions, this small, dilapidated statue is now only
visited by Buddhist devotees. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the
Coral Buddha is still revered and is a place of worship for the monks from
nearby Wat Sumret. The only direction sign is a small tatty board parallel
to the road which is easy to miss when driving past. It is on the 4169
ring-road approximately 800 meters West of Hua Thanon.

Wat Sumret

Part of Wat Sumret, this building contains many different Buddha images. One is
in the reclining position and the tallest, which stands three meters, was
transported all the way from India. Wat Sumret is down the second concrete
road on the left, 800 meters West of Hua Thanon on the 4169 ring-road.

The Leam Sor Chedi

In the grounds of Wat Laem Sor, this ornately designed Chedi (Pagoda) sits at
the rocky water's edge. Covered in countless small yellow tiles, it appears
golden when viewed from a short distance. It's at the far South of the
island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Pang Ka. Follow the track
with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalows", and It's at the end of that.
>More pictures

Buddha's Footprint

There are actually four foot-prints here, superimposed one on another. Each one is
artistically en-graved. They are housed in a modest shrine 150 steps up a
steep hill, which also offers a great view across the plains to the
mountains opposite, and to the sea over the tree tops. Buddha's Footprint is
not signposted but can be found by going up a concrete slope on the left,
two kilometers West of the turnoff for the Butterfly Garden on the 4170
road.
>More pictures

Wat Khao Chedi

Also in the Wat Laem Sor grounds, but a fair distance away lies the Khao
(mountain) Chedi. Until a few months ago, this ruined monument had been
forgotten about for many years. Now, the overgrown path leading to the chedi
has been cleared and there's easy access. About 300 meters West of the Laem
Sor Chedi there is a hill. At the base of the hill a small hut can be seen,
and 100 meters to the right of this dwelling, the path is visible. It leads
to a stairway which takes about 10 minutes to climb. At the top, the
peaceful ruins of the Khao Chedi greet the intrepid explorer. The panorama
of Laem Sor Bay and the nearby islands from here is breathtaking.

Wat Sila Ngu

Said to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha, the golden chedi facing the temple's
entrance is a popular place of worship. Many local travelling shows and even
visiting TV stars sometimes use the temple grounds here for their
performances. Wat Sila Ngu is on the 4169 ring-road, one kilometer South of
Hin-Ta Hin-Yai on the beach side of the road.
>More pictures

Wat Kiri Wongkaram

The mummified body of the Buddhist monk Loung Por Ruam can be viewed here in a glass
case. He was placed in it upon his death 25 years ago and his body is still in
remarkably good condition. The temple can be located by following the 4170 road
South from Ban Saket and then turning right between tow giant elephant statues.
It is a further kilometer along this road on the right hand side.
>More pictures

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem is located in the north of Samui on road 4171 from Big Buddha to
Choeng Mon Beach. The temple is famous for the hundreds of big fish enjoying
their live in the lake of the temple and waiting to be fed (Food for the fish is
available at the temple for a small donation of 10 Baht per pack). Wat Plai Laem
is one of the most colorful temple on Samui and features an 18 arms strong
Buddha statue set in the middle of the lake.
>More pictures

Chinese Temple - Maenam
A small but very colorful Chinese temple well worth a visit. The temple is
located app. 50 meter from Maenam pier.

Wat Lamai

Wat Lamai Temple is not only the main temple of Lamai but is also home to a
small cultural museum featuring artifacts from Samui's past. and a cultural
hall where the locals meet for weddings, funerals and other social
activities.

Wat Nara Charoen Suk

This temple is located at Lipa Noi

Masjid Nurulihsan

The only mosque on Koh Samui is located in the Muslim fishing village of Hua Thanon behind the market.

Wat Khao Kwang

Located at Road 4173

Wat Hin Lad

Located at Nathon on the way to Hin Lad Waterfall

Other Temples & religious sites

Hope of Koh Samui Church
(International Fellowship/ Thai’s Hope Foundation) is a Christian church located in Soi BoenGai (nearby Rajabhat University).

Worship program begins at 10 am, then, preaching and lunch fellowship. You may call church’s member at 086-781-178-4 for
guidance to church.

Wat Buntharikaram

Chaweng, Opposite Pank Bua market

Wat Sawang Arom

Chaweng

Phra Chikong Samui Shrine

Chaweng, next to Laem Din market

Wat Khao Hua Juk

Wat Khao Hua Juk is located on the hillside above northern Chaweng, Near Q
Bar. From here you have good views over the Samui Airport to Koh Phangan and
the Chaweng Lake area. The temple houses a replica of Buddha's footprint.

Luang Pho Khao Khwang

Namuang

Wat Bang Rak - Wat Bencha Thammaram

Big Buddha Beach

Wat Buntharikara

Chaweng

Wat Bophut Tharam

Bophut

Wat Chaeng

Nathon

Hua Thanon Chinese Temple

Hua Thanon. A small Chinese temple which does not like like one from the
outside. The temple is run by the Hanainese Temple Association of Hua Thanon.

Hailam Nathon Shrine

Nathon

Wat Kirimat

Taling Ngam

Wat Kungkaram

Nathon

Wat Na Pra Larn

Maenam

Wat Phu Khao Thong

Maenam

Wat Pradoem

Located approximately 1 kilometer from Na Mueang Waterfall is a monastery
built at the end of Ayutthaya Era. The temple is believed to be the first
temple on Ko Samui. At present, it is where an ancient wooden scripture hall
used in storing Buddhist scriptures is located.